Painful final for Flyers fans: Old friends vs. constant foes

Be prepared Flyers fans: This is going to be a painful Stanley Cup Final.

On one side will be the New Jersey Devils, the Flyers’ biggest nemesis. A team that has ousted the Flyers so many times in the playoffs – including this year – and has dominated the Atlantic Division by winning three Stanley Cups since 1995.

But the other team, the Los Angeles Kings, could break more hearts in Philly by winning the Cup. That’s because Flyers fans were hoping Mike Richards, Jeff Carter and Justin Williams would have lifted the Cup in orange and black.

There’s also a slight chance Simon Gagne, who spent his first 10 years in Philadelphia, could return to the Kings’ lineup for the Final. Gagne, who was traded after the Flyers’ Cup run in 2010, had only played 34 games for the Kings this season with concussion issues, but was cleared to play a few weeks ago. His last game was Dec. 26, so dressing him in the most crucial of scenarios would be risky.

So which is worse? Watching the Devils skate with the Cup yet again or seeing a bunch of former Flyers now in black and silver hoist the giant trophy?

If you want the latter, I think you’re in luck. I see the Kings winning this in seven.

It’s going to be a great series. And one that few could have predicted in April. After all, the Devils are a six seed and the Kings are an eight seed.

The Kings have only lost twice all playoffs and Jonathan Quick has been mostly spectacular – even though he gives up the entire top of the net sometimes yet rarely gets beat there. His 1.54 goals against average leads all goalies in the playoffs as does his save percentage, .946.

Devils Goalie Martin Brodeur has been tremendous at times, but still flops around. He’s sixth among all playoff goalies with a 2.04 goals against average and .923 save percentage.

Both teams have intense forechecks but calm defensemen who combat pressure by making smart plays. The Devils have more pure star power with forwards Ilya Kovalchuk and Zach Parise. And Travis Zajac, Adam Henrique, David Clarkson and Dainius Zubrus have pumped in huge goals and all have provided grit.

The Kings are bigger and have lots of players who defend well and score. Those players include Anze Kopitar, Richards, Williams, Dustin Brown and Dustin Penner. If they keep lighting the lamp and Quick continues to make huge saves, Flyers fans will witness that bittersweet moment.

But it’s better to cheer former friends than perpetual enemies.

And if it’s any consolation for Flyers fans, check this year’s playoff goal-scoring leaders. Claude Giroux and Danny Briere still lead with eight goals each despite cleaning out their lockers weeks ago.